Since 1993 several hundred women have been raped, tortured and murdered, and almost a thousand are reported missing along Mexico bordering USA. These are the “official” numbers; in reality the numbers are estimated to exceed 5000. The screams from the women in Juarez are deemed silent because no one will listen.
The North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, allows corporations from all over the world to build factories in Mexico along the USA border and thereby taking advantage of cheap labor and no tariffs. The goods are manufactured at low prices and include TV’s and computers, which are then sold to the USA. In Juarez there are over 1000 factories producing a television every three seconds and a computer every seven seconds.
The factories are called “maquiladoras” and employ mainly women as they are seemed to complain less about the long hours and harsh working conditions. They are also cheaper salary wise. Most “maquiladoras” operate 24 hours a day making the women travel to work in an unsafe environment at late hours and early morning. The companies employing the women provide no security for their workers.
All evidence point to more than one killer. In a culture of murder and violence, denying or covering it up worsens the situation, but you see, covering it up is less expensive than protecting the women. So it is the fathers and mothers of the lost women whom themselves often search passionately for their children, and in some cases have to dig them up from their hiding places of dirt, sand and stone.
Silence is in tune with a line from the movie Borderline, which is based upon real events in Juarez, where Jennifer Lopez’s character says: “No one gives a shit about Mexico.” And Martin Sheen’s responds: “If you give a shit they will.”
The movie Borderline is based on several unsolved murders in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The movie was initially planned to bring the lawless situation of the Juarez area to the attention of the world and to pressure the Mexican government into acting in bringing those responsible to justice. During filming in Mexico the crew received threats, in some cases from the police, and equipment was stolen to intimidate and stop the filming. The director Nava have been quotes saying: “(When) there are powerful forces involved, you’re going to be attacked. I expect the Mexican government to get very upset about it.” With the Mexican and US government being highly blamed in the movie one cannot stop wondering why such a movie with a powerful and highlighting message was released directly to DVD in the US and not in theatres despite receiving critical acclaim.
So, with this blog I hope that you will give a shit about Mexico, hear and respond to the screams of pain, hurt and courage from the women of Juarez, and in other parts of the world. Please listen. Please respond. Please give truth its freedom.
Next time you switch on your TV will you now acknowledge the silent screams?
